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The upcoming sci-fi extraction shooter, Bungie's highly-anticipated project, has made a reappearance with the news of a closed technical test scheduled to begin in October.

A Rocky Development Journey

First announced during the 2023 gaming showcase, the game has experienced a bumpy development cycle. In October 2024, the developer announced it was aiming to begin alpha testing sometime in 2025. A period of silence followed, until the game was re-revealed in spring with a planned September release. However, after some playtests resulted in mixed reactions, Bungie revealed during summer that it was postponing the game's launch.

Steering Clear of Controversy

Though the title has already seen its fair share of controversies, the development team appears committed to make certain Marathon doesn't suffer the same outcome as other games. Now, it seems the game's development is moving forward again, as they just disclosed that it has run "several closed playtests to collect player input on the game" since this past summer. The developer is expanding access, enabling additional participants to get an early look of the experience via an upcoming "closed technical test."

Technical Test Details

Considering it's a private technical test, it's naturally more exclusive than, for example, an public test. To gain access in the exclusive trial — which takes place between Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PDT to Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. PDT — participants must satisfy the listed pre-requisites:

• Submit an application via their platform
• Live in Europe or North America
• Have access to a PS5, Xbox Series X or S, or Windows PC (minimum PC specs include an compatible CPU, supported graphics card, and 8GB RAM)
• Join their community platform
• Complete confidentiality agreement via the online community

Application Process

Registration is currently available, and to be eligible for the technical test, applicants must submit their application by the October 16th deadline. Players on Windows PC can also submit their application via the digital platform starting on Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. PDT, with Steam applications due by Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. PDT. The developer will contact players who qualify and inform them of the next steps.

"This is an important checkpoint for us as we test our improvements since the game's Alpha, including multiple locations, five runner shells, proximity communication, adjusted gameplay rhythm, individual matchmaking, deeper environmental storytelling, and additional features," the studio stated. "However, the current version is a work in progress and will only include a selection of what's planned for Marathon's full release, focused on the initial gameplay moments."

Additional Information

More info about the private trial and the actual experience can be found on the game's help page. But for individuals who don't qualify for the test (or cannot participate), there's still good news: Bungie says a public update on the project's status is the next thing on the schedule once the trial concludes.

"We'll be sharing a comprehensive report on Marathon's development in the near future after the Closed Technical Test!" Bungie shared.